FILE - This spin by Clint Bowyer last weekend in Richmond, Va., prompted a huge discussion in racing regarding drivers and teams playing outside the spirit of the rules to gain an edge. Sept. 7, 2013.

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Race manipulation, as happened last week with Michael Waltrip Racing in NASCAR's race at Richmond International Raceway, happens more often than fans realize.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., and to a lesser extent Tony Kanaan, admitted having done something outside the spirit of the rules to help either themselves or a teammate.

"Drivers like myself have created cautions that we needed," Earnhardt told reporters Thursday. "We've thrown stuff out of cars and spun cars out and what-have-you to get cautions for certain reasons. So, that's nothing new." ...